Hartlepool will be hoping to take there recent impressive form with both bat and ball into this cup tie against a team who only 2 seasons ago won all before them. Whatever the outcome of the cup match, Hartlepool will then turn their attention to the league match against Bishop Auckland.
With Hartlepool currently league leaders and Bishops anchored at the bottom Jack Wilkinson's team will be strong favourites to maintain the winning run. Bishops however will be looking to repeat the batting form shown in their recent match at Marske when both sides topped the 300 mark. With over 700 runs scored in the match it is believed to the the highest run aggregate in NYSD history.
With unsettled weather set to continue Hartlepool will be keeping a keen eye on forecasts in the hope that Bob Johnson gets it wrong...again!

Adil Arif pictured during his aggressive innings in the Macmillan Cup match against Darlington RA